![]() That is an interesting perspective for us during challenges. In this turmoil, Jesus tells his followers: “This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:13). ![]() That does not sound like the prosperity gospel that Americans love. There will be wars, natural disasters, famines, and terrors in the heavens-and Christians will suffer along with everyone else. Jesus warned that difficult times would come. Things we once took for granted, such as health, freedom, and prosperity, are no longer “givens.” We all face ongoing challenges. Who knew that Democrats and Republicans could have such intense animosity toward one another? Aren’t we all Americans? Shouldn’t what unites us be more powerful than what divides us? To add further complications, the United States is experiencing inflation and signs point to a coming recession. Beyond the challenges of COVID, we have witnessed a new level of political upheaval. The Coronavirus brought a new level of fear and anxiety while reminding us that life is fragile. Recently, I have heard people use the designations pre-COVID and post-COVID. The world as we know it has changed drastically in the past couple of years. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.’” (Luke 21:10–19) You will be hated by all for my name's sake. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. “Then he said to them, ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences.
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